Tourists staying in the Municipality of Zagori will now pay a €0.75 “culture fee” per night for hotel or short-term rental accommodations – the first measure of its kind in Greece, according to an article by Sofia Christou by ekathimerini.com.
The initiative, approved by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, comes after Zagori’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Under the new rule, visitors will pay the fee after their stay and before departure, with the charge appearing on the accommodation invoice. All proceeds will go directly to the Municipality of Zagori.
“The joint ministerial decision has just been issued. Next, a committee will be formed with members from the Municipality of Zagori, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of the Interior, which will decide which projects the revenue will fund,” said Mayor of Zagori Giorgos Soukouvelos in an interview with Kathimerini.
Zagori, a region of 46 villages in northwestern Greece, is famed for its well-preserved traditional stone architecture, scenic bridges, and cobbled pathways that weave through mountainous landscapes.
In recent years, the area has experienced rapid tourism growth, with a surge in hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals. Local officials hope the new fee will help preserve the cultural and architectural heritage that attracts visitors while supporting sustainable development in this UNESCO-listed destination.
Source: ekathimerini.com
